Overview

This publication is a regional assessment on the situation and needs of older persons on the move in the Americas. Human mobility is no longer a temporary phenomenon but a prolonged one, lasting on average 20 years for refugees and more than 10 years for 90% of internally displaced persons (IDPs). This means that while on the move, persons age in most cases, without the support of a social protection system. The main purpose of this assessment is to present an overview of the situation and the priority needs of older persons on the move in Latin America, with a focus on some countries in the Andean region and the northern part of Central America. The analysis also includes the impact and worsening of older persons’ access to and exercise of their rights and services, under the current situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end, this study will provide data and evidence for decision-making, public-policy design, and the implementation of programmes that promote the rights of older persons on the move throughout the region and during the entire displacement cycle, including in emergency contexts.